Sony announces new 3D lens

Sony has revealed their new product -- a single-lens camera able to take 3D pictures. The new lens only takes one picture, opposed to the usual two.

Most 3D technology come with two cameras -- one for each eye of the person using the product. The new product records just one picture which is then divided by mirrors. Sony say this makes the picture look smoother.

The new camera will be revealed in its prototype form at the Ceatec electronics show. The show is being held in Tokyo and begins on the 6th of October.

The lens will allow people to see the 3D images using some polarised glasses designed to be used with the product.

Sony says the camera will be well-suited to capturing images at sports shows.

The camera is among several new products being developed by Sony. The firm hope that 3D will become the latest technology. This kind of technology is now becoming more affordable and many tech companies believe TV broadcasts may start using 3D en masse.

Sony have also announced plans for a new 3D product aimed at recording football games.

John Stone from Sony Professional told the BBC how the new technology could capture sporting events. He said:

"Each camera films a third of the pitch."

Because those cameras are set up at the same focal point, they can be stitched together.

"And because we have the depth information for every shot we can a synthesise a 3D impression be effectively positioning the pixel to different depth positions in the 3D composition."

"I'm not sure we're quite at the stage now where we're going to have 3D Match of the Day. But I'm hoping that there's going to be live events televised in 3D from 2010, and that can be edited down into shorter 3D highlights."

A press release on the Sony website explains exactly how the new camera will work.